About this Grand Overland
Two Himalayan worlds in one epic road trip — and the smartest way to acclimatise
This is the full Himalayan crossing — from the meadows and lakes of Kashmir, over the Zoji La pass through Kargil and Lamayuru, into Leh, and on to Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.
Because you drive up gradually over two days instead of flying straight to Leh, your body adjusts far more comfortably to the altitude — this route has the gentlest acclimatisation curve of any Ladakh trip. You travel by private vehicle with a local driver-cum-guide, and we handle all permits.
Perfect for travellers who want to see it all — Kashmir and Ladakh together — and don't mind long, spectacular driving days.
Trip Highlights
Kashmir and Ladakh, coast to coast of the Himalayas
A shikara ride on Dal Lake in Srinagar
Cross the dramatic Zoji La pass into Ladakh
The lunar landscapes of Lamayuru & Kargil
Leh, Nubra Valley over Khardung La & the dunes
A lakeside day at Pangong
Gentle acclimatisation, permits & oxygen handled
Trip Gallery
From Kashmir's meadows to Ladakh's lakes
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Eight days from Srinagar to the lakes of Ladakh
- Arrive in Srinagar; transfer to a houseboat or hotel on Dal Lake.
- Enjoy a relaxed shikara ride across the lake and the floating gardens.
- Evening free to explore the boulevard; dinner and overnight in Srinagar.
- Drive through the meadows of Sonamarg and climb the dramatic Zoji La pass.
- Pass Drass — one of the coldest inhabited places on earth — and the Kargil War Memorial.
- Reach Kargil by evening; dinner and overnight.
- Drive to the surreal "moonland" and ancient monastery of Lamayuru.
- Continue past Magnetic Hill, the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and the Indus–Zanskar Sangam.
- Arrive Leh by evening; dinner and overnight.
- Visit Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery and Hemis, plus Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace.
- Explore Leh's old town and market at your own pace.
- A relaxed day that lets everyone settle fully before the high passes ahead.
- Dinner and overnight in Leh.
- Cross Khardung La (~18,380 ft) for photos at the top of the trip.
- Visit Diskit Monastery and its giant Maitreya Buddha.
- A Bactrian camel ride on the Hunder dunes at sunset.
- Dinner and overnight at a Nubra camp or guesthouse.
- Drive from Nubra to Pangong along the dramatic Shyok river route.
- Reach the lake in the afternoon; walk the shore and watch the water change colour.
- Evening under a brilliant canopy of stars; dinner and overnight at a lakeside camp.
- Catch the early light on Pangong before starting back.
- Return towards Leh over Chang La, with a stop at a monastery you may have missed.
- Arrive Leh by evening — free time for shopping and a farewell dinner.
- Overnight in Leh.
- After breakfast, transfer to Leh airport for your onward flight.
- Trip concludes having crossed the Himalayas from Kashmir to Ladakh.
What's Included
Transparent pricing — no hidden surprises
- Arrival transfer in Srinagar & departure drop at Leh airport
- 7 nights stay — houseboat/hotel in Srinagar, hotels in Kargil & Leh, camps in Nubra & Pangong
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Shikara ride on Dal Lake
- Entire journey by private vehicle
- Inner Line Permits for Nubra & Pangong
- Oxygen cylinder & first-aid kit in the vehicle
- Experienced driver-cum-guide & Yatraved coordination
- Airfare to Srinagar & from Leh
- Lunches and all personal expenses
- Monastery entry fees, camel ride & camera charges
- 5% GST on package cost
- Any cost due to roadblocks, landslides or weather beyond our control
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Things to Carry
From Kashmir's mild valleys to Ladakh's cold heights
Important Notes
Please read before booking
Gradual Acclimatisation: Driving in from Srinagar over two days is the gentlest way to reach Ladakh's altitude. Still, drink plenty of water and pace yourself — and consult a doctor if you have heart or lung conditions.
Long Driving Days: This is an overland trip with some long but scenic drives, especially Srinagar–Kargil and Kargil–Leh. Start early and enjoy the journey.
ID & Permits: Carry original photo ID. Nubra and Pangong permits are mandatory — we arrange them, but need your ID copy in advance.
Roads & Weather: The Zoji La and Ladakh passes can close briefly for weather; the day order may be adjusted on the ground for safety.
Connectivity: Only postpaid SIMs work in Ladakh (BSNL/Jio best), with little signal at Nubra's interior and Pangong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you book
Driving in from Srinagar over two days lets your body adjust to altitude gradually, greatly reducing the chance of altitude sickness compared with flying straight into Leh. You also get to enjoy Kashmir, Kargil and Lamayuru along the way.
It starts in Srinagar and ends in Leh — fly into Srinagar on Day 1 and out of Leh on Day 8. We can also run it in reverse (Leh to Srinagar) on request.
Yes. The Inner Line Permits for Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake are arranged and included. We only need a copy of your photo ID in advance.
This is an overland road trip, so expect some long but scenic driving days — especially Srinagar to Kargil and Kargil to Leh. The reward is spectacular scenery and a much gentler altitude curve.
June to September, once the Zoji La and Ladakh passes are open. July and August are the most reliable months for the full Srinagar to Leh route.
